Methods of expanding and redifferentiating islet beta cells

Abstract

A method of ex-vivo increasing insulin content in progenitor cells which express SLUG is provided. The method comprises downregulating an amount or activity of SLUG in the progenitor cells. Cell populations generated thereby and uses thereof are also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of ex-vivo increasing insulin content in progenitor cells which express SLUG, comprising:
 (a) expanding adult islet beta cells to generate dedifferentiated adult islet beta cells; and subsequently 
 (b) contacting said dedifferentiated adult islet beta cells with an siRNA or shRNA agent which is directed against SLUG, thereby increasing insulin content in the progenitor cells. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said culturing expanding is effected in CMRL medium. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said adult islet beta cells are trypsinized. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising
 (a) exposing the adult islet beta cells to a culture medium comprising nicotinamide, exendin-4, and activin A, wherein glucose is present at a concentration of 10-100 mM; wherein said culture medium is devoid of serum; and subsequently 
 (b) exposing said adult islet beta cells to an additional culture medium comprising nicotinamide and exendin-4, wherein glucose is present at a concentration of 0.5-10 mM, wherein said additional medium is devoid of activin A, wherein steps (a) and (b) are effected prior to said contacting and following said expanding.